Joint operation between Bishop’s Stortford and Harlow neighbourhood policing teams results in drug-driving arrest, three cars being seized and bike thief being caught

A joint operation by Bishop’s Stortford and Harlow police saw officers target cross-border criminals.

Officers dealt with 15 offences ranging from bicycle theft to driving under the influence of drugs, and they seized three vehicles and gathered multiple intelligence reports.

The co-ordinated efforted between the two towns’ neighbourhood policing teams was carried out at the end of October and covered Sawbridgeworth as well as Stortford and Harlow.

“These operations focused on intelligence-led, high-visibility patrols,” said a spokesperson for Essex Police.

“Officers worked as one team, sharing real-time information and crime trends to proactively detect and deter offenders operating across district boundaries.”

Multiple vehicles were stopped to check insurance and driving licence validity. Six traffic offence tickets were issued, there was one arrest for drug-driving, three vehicles were seized for insurance matters, one of which was in East Herts, and four further stops-and-searches resulted in further investigation.

One male was arrested after being caught stealing a bike and was later linked to several offences in the Harlow area for which he has since been charged.

Sgt Andy Crow, neighbourhood policing sergeant for Bishop’s Stortford and Sawbridgeworth, said: “These operations are regularly carried out to detect and deter those who travel across borders to commit crime, causing fear among local communities. Working with colleagues from neighbouring forces allows us to share intelligence and identify those who may be a risk.”

Acting Insp Kirkby, of the Harlow neighbourhood policing team, added: “This operation demonstrates the strength of partnership policing and the impact of intelligence sharing across borders.

“By working together, we’ve not only disrupted criminal activity but also sent a clear message that offenders will be identified and dealt with, wherever they operate.”

The teams plan to continue collaborative efforts to ensure communities remain safe and feel protected.